Don Raymond Clothier, 85,

passed away at his Lakeside residence, surrounded by loving family, on Sunday, April 6, 2008. Don was born Sept. 3, 1922, in Lakeside to Asa and Leah (Jones) Clothier. He attended Lakeside and Somers schools, graduating from Flathead County High School.

Don married Hester (Posie) Hutchens in Libby on July 30, 1945. They were together for 36 years.

Don enlisted in the U.S. Army but was medically discharged after only four months. He then became a journeyman, Ironworker Local No. 14, in 1951, and worked throughout the Northwest. He had just received his 55-year plaque.

Don had worked on many construction projects, including the Hungry Horse Dam, Libby Dam, Libby School, atomic energy plant in Pasco, Wash., the Moiese Springs Bridge, which was 564 feet in the air, often without a safety net, the Madison Street Bridge in Missoula, and various other construction sites.

He was involved in the Great Northern tunnel at Stryker, which was seven miles long.

In 1947-48, Don took second for the entire season in the nightly Wild Horse Race in Cody, Wyo., with Chuck Sanders and George Clothier.

Don had been a member of the Eagles for 23 years.

Don loved to dance, water ski, camp and snowmobile, and had fond memories of hunting trips with his brothers. He was an excellent cribbage player. He loved animals, especially his dog Jake.

Don was preceded in death by his loving wife, Posie; and his long-time friend Tommy Eppe; his parents; and brothers George, Neil, Kenneth and William.

Don is survived by his children, Cynthia and Michael Moore of Victor, Sherry and Bruce Beck of Port Orchard, Wash., and Carol and Melvin Kraft of Rocky Mountain House, Alberta. He has eight grandchildren, six great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews. He is also survived by his brothers, Darrel and Delores, and Stan and Lu; as well as a sister, Emma Lu and Allen Reed; and is also survived by two sisters-in-law, Myrtle Hutchens and Beulah Clothier.

All who came in contact with Don enjoyed his humor, sharp wit and generosity.

A celebration of Don's Life will be held at 4 p.m. Thursday, April 10, at Lakeside Community Chapel, with dinner to follow.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Home Options Hospice of Kalispell, Lakeside Community Chapel or a charity of the donor's choice.

Buffalo Hill Funeral Home is caring for the family.